Obituary of Dennis Frank Keating

Dennis was born at Fort Lewis, Washington on August 18, 1948 and left us peacefully on October 17, 2009. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Marla; son Brandon (Cheryl);daughter Kalyn (Kellen) Martini ; mother, Dolores Keating and numerous extended family and friends. He grew up in University Place attending Curtis High School where he met and married the love of his life. After majoring in Business and Education at Western Washington University he began a 17 year career with ASARCO, Inc. until the plant closed in 1986. He then changed to a career in healthcare beginning with Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup as a Financial Analyst. He continued in healthcare in 2003 at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle managing Physician Compensation. Wanting to spend more time with his family he later returned to Good Samaritan Hospital/MultiCare. Dennis cherished adventures with his family and friends. Among his favorites were traveling, boating, back yard BBQ's and weekend getaways with his wife. He had a generous heart and gave of himself by volunteering for many organizations over the years, including Puyallup South Hill Rotary, Boy Scouts of America, University Place School District P.T.A., Junior Achievement, United Way and the American Cancer Society. Dennis will be dearly missed and appreciated for his inner strength, selflessness and compassion. The family's deep felt gratitude goes to the Virginia Mason Medical Center team for their many years of care and support, and the Franciscan Hospice House of University Place for their unwavering commitment. "I will travel empty-handed. There is not a single thing I have collected in my life that I would ever want to bring except those who loved me, and the warmth of those who cared. The happiness and memories and magic that we shared." A celebration of life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009, at University Place Presbyterian Church, 8101 27th St. W. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Cancer Society and/or Franciscan Hospice House of University Place. Please visit the guestbook at www.edwardsmemorial.com.